Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Colorado's Mountain Wonder Offers Outdoor Adventures and Education
Jul 16, 2009
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of southern Colorado, lies the Great Sand Dunes National Park. This 150,000 acre national park provides visitors with spectacular mountain and sand dune scenes and hours of adventure and fun. The contrast of mountains and sand dunes makes for breathtaking views. The sand dunes also provide diverse activities and adventure. Great Sand Dune National Park experiences over 300,000 visitors yearly, according to the National Park Service. Due to Colorado's climate, visits peak during spring and summer months.
Reaching High at the Great Sand Dunes
The Great Sand Dunes contain the tallest sand dune in North America, reaching heights of 750 feet. The elevation at the park ranges from 8,000 to 13,000 feet above sea level. Visitors not accustomed to this high elevation should proceed slowly and make sure to stay hydrated. Weather at this high elevation is also extreme, with drastic changes in temperature occurring within a single day. Visitors are informed to dress in layers in case a mountain storm develops. It's not usual to have both warm sun and pouring rain and hail storms within an hour or less.
Outdoor Activities at the Dunes
The great outdoors is what a visit to the Great Sand Dunes is all about. Hiking, camping, mountain climbing, horseback riding, sandboarding, wading in the creek and or driving the trail with a 4WD vehicle. A visit to the sand dunes is not complete without an attempted or successful climb up the dunes. The climb to the top of the first dune summit averages an hour or longer so visitors should be prepared. The view from the top of a sand dune is extravagant, giving the park a whole new perspective. On hot days, Medano Creek is a favorite place to cool off and splash in the shallow water of the mountain creek. Sandboarding and sledding are more extreme options for enjoying the sand dunes at a faster speed.
Camping at the Great Sand Dunes
Pinyon Flat Campground is a first come, first served campground located within the park boundary. The campground's 88 sites typically fill up from May through September for weekend stays. Weekdays are usually less crowded. Oasis Campground and Motel is located just south of the park, offering camping sites, RV sites and cabins.
National Park Information
Great Sand Dunes National Park is open year-round, every day, 24 hours. The visitors center is open most days during business hours. School groups may apply for an educational fee waiver if the curriculum is directly related to the Great Sand Dunes. Free permits may be obtained for overnight camping on the dunes. Park entrance fees are $3 for adults 16 and older, and children are free. The park is located 35 mile northeast from Alamosa.
*National Park Services does not allow the commercial use of photographs of the Great Sand Dunes.
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